Etihad Will Let You Bid for Neighbor-Free Seats

PHOTO: It’s now time to stretch out around the cabin. (photo via Flickr/Kentaro Iemoto)

Aside from having breakfast included with your hotel stay, the greatest joy in travel remains the moment cabin doors close and you realize nobody else is coming to take up that airplane seat next to you.

I’ve never won the lottery, but this is what it must feel like. It’s also the reason for my first phone call to family and friends when on holiday, Oh, I have to tell someone about this.

According to CNN Money, that feeling can now be a guaranteed treat while flying with Etihad Airways starting on July 3.

The product is referred to as “neighbor-free seats,” which will be available to those flying economy. You as a consumer can lay claim to those unused seats in the form of a bid. (It’s unfortunately not a straightforward purchase system, which would really be amazing for travelers.)

But what would the experience of finding an open seat next to you be without a little suspense?

In this case, you discover whether you will be flying without a stranger next to you 30 hours before your departure if the bid is accepted.

Obviously, this option is only available depending on how many seats have already been sold and the configuration of the plane, so don’t expect to see this on each and every flight.

Etihad tells CNN Money, “This gives guests the opportunity for increased space, comfort and privacy, at a price that is affordable.”

'Affordable' is up for debate because it remains to be seen how much winning bids go for on average. With that said, a nominal fee tossed out by someone who loathes small talk may mean the difference between a stressful flight or one of pure bliss.

The modern traveler has been saddled with airplane seats that are seemingly shrinking before our eyes. CNN Money discovered that American would shave about two inches from the legroom of some economy seats, an idea the airline quickly abandoned. Extra thin seats also made an appearance as a concept at the 2017 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Germany earlier this year.

Etihad’s system isn’t perfect, but it’s a welcomed option for those people who adore flying unencumbered by elbows, snoring or six-hour chats about the weather.

The reason may be the classic bottom line. The Sydney Morning Herald spoke with John Strickland, director of JLS Consulting, about the product and he explained, “With all the difficulties Etihad is facing with its equity partners, Etihad is looking at lessons from low-cost models to charge for extra services.”

CNN Money explains that Etihad CEO James Hogan is now out amid the airline’s previous decision to acquire stakes in multiple airlines. It may be stretched too thin and is looking creatively at various solutions. In this case, a way to make even a modicum amount from seats that go unused.

For the consumer, it’s a possible outlet to flying solo, which is the only way to fly.

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